Even though the Rifle Team has been in existence for many years, this year's was the first in several years to be chartered by the USF Student Body. Besides this, many other changes have taken place for the Don Sharpshooters.
Coach Sargent Roman Roy de Gracia was acquired from the University of Santa Clara. Sarge spent most of his time working for next year. Captain Charles D. Lake became the Rifle Club's moderator and helped the members of the team, along with Sargent de Gracia, in administration. Captain Lake also managed some new equipment when the need for some became urgent. Along with these two new faces came new faces came new faces among the shooters.
Only four members of last year's team returned. These shooters were Gene Tiwanak this year's only senior, Tim Sullivan, Thom Lee and Bill Sturm. During the course of the year, approximately fifteen new shooters became members of the team.
Probably the most revolutionary change, not only for the Club, but also for the University, was the admission of women to the team. Nine nurses have spent part of their year learning how to shoot. Since most of these girls had never held a rifle before this year and since their shooting has shown so much promise, optimism runs high for them for next year. It seems that the all too common cry of, "Wait 'til next year," has been uttered on the Hilltop.
The Rifle Club started out this year very green and has developed a core of very fine shooters. yNext ear's team, which will be essentially the same as this year's, should prove to be a winner. This team could break out in a rash of high scores at any time.
This year should give the Dons the needed experience to be cool and calm as required of top marksman (TheDon).
